Early-generation gadgets are emerging as a niche asset class, with collectors and investors paying record prices for sealed and branded electronics from the 1990s and 2000s.
A first-generation Apple iPhone sold for over $190,000 at auction this year, reflecting a wider surge in demand for vintage tech. Similar sales are being reported for early iPods, Sony digital cameras, and other legacy devices. Listings on eBay and StockX show double- and triple-digit percentage increases in value over the past two years.
The trend is partly driven by Millennials and Gen Z buyers, whose interest in retro aesthetics has been amplified by TikTok and celebrity use of vintage gear. The resurgence of 2000s-style point-and-shoot digicams has made some models, previously seen as obsolete, highly sought-after.
Auction houses in the Middle East have begun responding to the trend, listing sealed gadgets in their catalogues alongside traditional collectibles. The market is volatile and taste-driven, with price swings often tied to brand visibility and cultural relevance.
Analysts say the emotional connection to early tech plays a key role in demand. While not all devices retain value, mint-condition units from iconic brands, especially in sealed packaging, have become speculative assets for younger investors seeking non-traditional stores of value.
